Chichen Itza & Coba tour: Early arrival, small groups, no lines

Two archaeological sites in one morning, before the heat and the crowds arrive

A small-group guided tour of Chichen Itza and Coba ruins with early arrival, hotel pickup and pre-purchased entry tickets that skip the line at the gate. The tour includes a swim at cenote Ik Kil, buffet lunch with one drink, and a professional guide in English or Spanish. Climbing the Coba pyramid is not guaranteed. The full day runs 11 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Coba Ruins

• Arrive early at Chichen Itza
• Tour Kukulcan Castle and temples
• Explore archaeological site independently
• Swim at Cenote Ik Kil
• Enjoy buffet lunch at restaurant
• Visit Coba Mayan Ruins
• Explore Coba site independently

The Experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup and a drive to Chichen Itza, where you walk straight past the ticket office—entry is already paid and waiting. An expert guide leads you through the major structures: Kukulkan Castle, the Warriors Temple, the Venus Temple, the Observatory Building and La Iglesia. You get guided time at each stop and then space to explore on your own before the site fills up with the afternoon crowds. Breakfast (juice, cookies and fruit) is served on board.

After Chichen Itza, the route moves to cenote Ik Kil, one of the most visited cenotes in Yucatan. You swim in the natural sinkhole, and a buffet lunch waits at the on-site restaurant (one drink is included; additional drinks cost extra). Life jackets and lockers are provided.

The final stop is Coba Ruins, where you have time to walk the site and explore the pyramids on your own. Climbing the main pyramid is not included or guaranteed. The group stays small throughout the day, and air-conditioned transport moves between each location. Hotel drop-off happens at the end of the 11-hour tour.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (except Cancun and Costa Mujeres).
• breakfast on board.
• Chichen Itza and Coba entrance fees.
• cenote Ik Kil entry, life jacket and locker.
• buffet lunch with one drink at the cenote restaurant.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Excursiones Riviera Maya

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying outside the archaeological zone or without a car—hotel pickup settles the logistics, and early arrival means you see the temples before the afternoon heat and the crowds. Small groups also mean the guide can move at a pace that works for everyone, not a mass-tour schedule.

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Top questions

What are the main temples and structures I'll see at Chichen Itza?

Chichen Itza's major buildings on this tour include Kukulkan Castle, the Warriors Temple, the Venus Temple, the Observatory Building and La Iglesia. A professional guide walks you through each one, and you also have time to explore on your own.

Can I swim at the cenote, and what's included there?

Yes, you swim at cenote Ik Kil, one of Yucatan's most popular cenotes. Life jackets and lockers are provided, and buffet lunch is served at the cenote restaurant with one drink included.

Do I have to wait in line to buy tickets at Chichen Itza?

No. Tickets to both Chichen Itza and Coba are pre-purchased and included, so you walk straight into the sites without stopping at the ticket office.

Is climbing the pyramid at Coba included?

Climbing the Coba pyramid is not included or guaranteed. You have time to explore the ruins on your own, but the climb is optional and not part of the organized tour.

What time does the tour start and how long is the full day?

Hotel pickup begins in the early morning to beat the crowds and heat. The full tour runs 11 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide leads the tour in English or Spanish, depending on the option you select at checkout.